23 Best Short Beard Styles For Every Face Shape

by Kenji Nakamura 48 views

Hey guys! Are you looking to up your beard game but not quite ready to commit to a super long Gandalf-esque beard? Short beard styles might just be your sweet spot. They're versatile, stylish, and surprisingly easy to maintain. Plus, the right short beard can seriously enhance your facial features. Let’s dive into the world of short beards and explore some amazing styles that work with any face shape.

Why Choose a Short Beard?

Before we jump into the styles, let’s talk about why you might want to go short. Short beard styles are incredibly practical. They’re less likely to get in the way during meals, require less product, and are generally cooler in warmer weather. But beyond practicality, a well-groomed short beard can make a major style statement. It’s a refined and sophisticated look that says you care about your appearance without being overly flashy.

Another huge advantage of short beards is their versatility. Whether you're rocking a corporate suit or a casual tee, a short beard fits right in. You can easily transition from the boardroom to the bar without missing a beat. And for those of you who are new to the beard game, a short style is a fantastic way to test the waters and see how you like having facial hair before fully committing to a longer beard.

Short beard styles are also great for highlighting your best features. The right style can add definition to your jawline, slim a round face, or balance out a longer face. It’s all about knowing which style works best for your unique face shape, which we’ll get into shortly. Plus, maintaining a shorter beard is often easier on your skin, reducing the chances of itchiness and irritation. So, if you’re prone to beardruff or discomfort, a shorter style might be the perfect solution. Ready to find your perfect short beard? Let's explore some top styles!

Understanding Your Face Shape

Okay, before we get into specific beard styles, it's crucial to understand your face shape. Knowing your face shape is the key to choosing a beard that complements your features and enhances your overall look. Think of it like this: the right beard is like a frame for a masterpiece – it should accentuate the best parts and create a harmonious balance. So, let’s break down the common face shapes and what defines them.

Common Face Shapes

  1. Oval: An oval face is characterized by balanced proportions, with the forehead and jawline being roughly the same width. The length of the face is about one and a half times its width, and the chin is slightly narrower than the forehead. If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky – most beard styles will work well for you.
  2. Round: Round faces have soft curves and similar width and length. The cheeks are full, and there are no sharp angles. The goal with a beard for a round face is to add some definition and length, creating the illusion of a more angular shape. This often involves adding volume to the chin area while keeping the sides trimmed.
  3. Square: Square faces have a strong, angular jawline and roughly equal width and length. The forehead and jawline are about the same width, creating a very masculine and defined look. When styling a beard for a square face, you generally want to soften the strong angles slightly, perhaps by rounding the beard shape or keeping the sides shorter.
  4. Rectangle/Oblong: These faces are longer than they are wide, with straight cheek lines. The goal with a beard for a rectangular or oblong face is to add width and prevent the face from appearing even longer. A fuller beard on the sides can help balance out the length.
  5. Heart: Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and temples, tapering to a narrow chin. The cheekbones are often prominent. The ideal beard for a heart-shaped face adds fullness to the chin and jawline, creating a more balanced appearance.
  6. Diamond: Diamond faces are widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline. Beards for diamond faces should add fullness to the chin and forehead areas while avoiding too much bulk on the sides.
  7. Triangle: Triangular faces have a narrow forehead and a wide jawline. The aim here is to balance the broader jaw by adding volume to the chin and keeping the sides trimmed. This can help create a more proportionate look.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

Not sure which category you fit into? Here’s a simple way to figure it out. Grab a flexible measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror. Measure the following:

  • Forehead: Measure across the widest part of your forehead, from hairline to hairline.
  • Cheekbones: Measure across your cheekbones, from the most prominent point on one side to the other.
  • Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to the angle of your jawbone, and then double that number.
  • Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.

Once you have these measurements, compare them to the descriptions above. Remember, most people have a combination of features from different face shapes, so you might not fit perfectly into one category. That's totally okay! Use this as a starting point and adjust as needed.

Now that you understand your face shape, you're ready to choose a beard style that will make you look your best. Let's move on to some fantastic short beard styles!

23 Short Beard Styles That Work with Any Face Shape

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are 23 short beard styles that can work wonders for any face shape. Remember, the key is to adapt the style to your specific features and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what looks best on you.

1. The Classic Stubble

  • Description: This is the ultimate low-maintenance beard. It’s short, rugged, and undeniably masculine. Think of it as the “I woke up like this” of beards – but with a little effort involved.
  • How to Achieve: Let your beard grow for a few days (usually 2-3 days) and then maintain the length with a trimmer. Aim for about 1-3mm of growth. Keep the neckline and cheek line clean for a polished look.
  • Works Best For: Almost any face shape, especially oval, square, and slightly round faces. It adds a touch of definition without overwhelming your features.

2. The Corporate Beard

  • Description: This beard is professional and polished, perfect for the office environment. It’s a short, well-groomed beard that shows you mean business.
  • How to Achieve: Grow your beard to about 1-2 inches in length and keep it neatly trimmed. The key is to maintain clean lines and a consistent length. Use beard oil to keep the hairs soft and manageable.
  • Works Best For: Oval, square, and rectangular faces. The clean lines add structure and definition.

3. The Boxed Beard

  • Description: A boxed beard is a short, full beard with defined edges. It’s neat, tidy, and adds a touch of sophistication to your look.
  • How to Achieve: Grow your beard to a medium length (around 2-3 inches) and trim it into a rectangular shape. The sides should be shorter than the chin area. Pay close attention to the neckline and cheek line to maintain sharp edges.
  • Works Best For: Round and oval faces. The defined shape adds angles to a round face and enhances the natural structure of an oval face.

4. The Goatee

  • Description: The goatee is a classic style that focuses hair around the chin. It can range from a simple patch of hair under the lip to a more elaborate style that includes a mustache.
  • How to Achieve: Shave off the hair on your cheeks and maintain hair only on your chin. The length and style of the goatee can vary depending on your preference. Some goatees connect to a mustache, while others stand alone.
  • Works Best For: Round and square faces. A goatee can add length to a round face and soften the strong jawline of a square face.

5. The Van Dyke

  • Description: Named after the 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyck, this style features a goatee and a mustache that don’t connect. It’s a sophisticated and somewhat dramatic look.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a goatee and a mustache, keeping the cheek area clean-shaven. The mustache should be styled separately from the goatee, often with waxed tips for added flair.
  • Works Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces. The Van Dyke adds fullness to the chin area, balancing out a wider forehead or cheekbones.

6. The Balbo

  • Description: The Balbo is a beard style that includes a trimmed mustache and a beard that’s disconnected from the sideburns. It’s fuller than a goatee but still maintains clean lines.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a beard and mustache, then shave off the connecting hairs on your cheeks. The beard is typically wider at the chin and tapers towards the sides. Keep the mustache neatly trimmed.
  • Works Best For: Square and triangular faces. The Balbo adds width to the chin, balancing out a strong jawline or a narrow forehead.

7. The Chin Strap

  • Description: The chin strap is a beard style that runs along the jawline and chin, creating a defined frame for the face. It can range from thin to thick, depending on your preference.
  • How to Achieve: Shave off the hair on your cheeks and neck, leaving a strip of hair along your jawline and chin. The width of the strap can vary, but it should be consistent and well-maintained.
  • Works Best For: Round and oval faces. A chin strap can add definition to a round face and enhance the natural contours of an oval face.

8. The Anchor Beard

  • Description: The anchor beard combines elements of the goatee and chin strap, resembling the shape of an anchor. It’s a stylish and unique look that requires careful grooming.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a goatee and a chin strap, then shape them so they connect at the chin. The beard should be wider at the chin and taper towards the sides, creating an anchor-like shape.
  • Works Best For: Square and heart-shaped faces. The anchor beard adds fullness to the chin and jawline, balancing out a strong jaw or a wider forehead.

9. The Hollywoodian

  • Description: This classic style, often seen on Hollywood icons, is a short beard that doesn’t connect to the sideburns. It’s a clean and sophisticated look that exudes confidence.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a beard that covers your chin and jawline, but keep the cheek area clean-shaven. The beard should be neatly trimmed and well-maintained, with clean lines along the edges.
  • Works Best For: Oval and rectangular faces. The Hollywoodian adds width to the lower face, balancing out a longer face shape.

10. The French Fork

  • Description: A French fork beard is a longer variation of the beard that splits at the bottom into two points, resembling a fork. This style makes a bold statement and reflects confidence.
  • How to Achieve: Allow your beard to grow to a medium length, and then carefully trim the bottom so it splits into two distinct points. Regular shaping and maintenance are key to keeping this style looking sharp.
  • Works Best For: Oval and square faces. The unique shape of the French fork beard can add character and style to these face shapes.

11. The Verdi

  • Description: Named after the composer Giuseppe Verdi, this beard style features a full beard with a neatly trimmed mustache. The mustache is often styled with wax, curling the ends upward.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a full beard, trimming the sides to maintain a neat shape. The mustache is the focal point, so use wax to style it into curls or a defined shape. Regular grooming is essential to keep this style looking polished.
  • Works Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces. The Verdi beard adds fullness and character to these face shapes, particularly highlighting the mustache.

12. The Bandholz

  • Description: The Bandholz is a full, somewhat untamed beard style that embodies a rugged, masculine look. It's for the man who isn't afraid to make a statement.
  • How to Achieve: The Bandholz requires patience as it involves letting your beard grow freely for several months, with minimal trimming. Regular conditioning and oiling help keep the beard healthy and manageable.
  • Works Best For: Diamond and triangular faces. The fullness of the Bandholz beard can add volume to the chin and balance out a narrower forehead or jawline.

13. The Garibaldi

  • Description: The Garibaldi is a full, rounded beard that's long but still maintains a sense of neatness. It’s a great option for those who want a substantial beard without excessive maintenance.
  • How to Achieve: Let your beard grow to a medium-long length, keeping the bottom rounded and trimmed. Regular brushing and oiling will help maintain its shape and health.
  • Works Best For: Oval and square faces. The Garibaldi beard complements these face shapes with its full, rounded appearance.

14. The Ducktail

  • Description: The ducktail beard is a stylish choice that tapers to a point at the bottom, resembling a duck's tail. It’s a modern, edgy look that requires some styling effort.
  • How to Achieve: Grow your beard to a medium length, and then shape it so that it narrows to a point at the chin. Regular trimming and shaping are necessary to maintain the ducktail's distinct shape.
  • Works Best For: Square and rectangular faces. The pointed shape of the ducktail beard can add length and dimension to these face shapes.

15. The Imperial

  • Description: The Imperial beard is characterized by a large, bushy mustache that dominates the facial hair. The beard itself is typically shorter and less prominent, allowing the mustache to stand out.
  • How to Achieve: Focus on growing and styling your mustache, using wax to shape it into elaborate curls or wings. Keep the beard shorter and well-groomed to complement the mustache.
  • Works Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces. The Imperial beard adds character and flair to these face shapes, highlighting the mustache as a focal point.

16. The Circle Beard

  • Description: The circle beard is a combination of a goatee and mustache that forms a circle around the mouth. It's a clean, symmetrical style that looks well-groomed and intentional.
  • How to Achieve: Grow both a goatee and a mustache, connecting them so they form a circle around your mouth. Regular trimming and shaping are essential to maintain the circle’s clean lines.
  • Works Best For: Round and square faces. The circle beard can add structure to a round face and soften the strong angles of a square face.

17. The Petite Goatee

  • Description: This is a smaller, more refined version of the classic goatee, typically just a patch of hair under the lip. It's a minimalist style that’s easy to maintain.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a small patch of hair under your lip, keeping it neatly trimmed. Shave the rest of your face for a clean, simple look.
  • Works Best For: Square and heart-shaped faces. The petite goatee adds a subtle touch of facial hair without overwhelming the face.

18. The Faded Beard

  • Description: A faded beard gradually transitions from shorter to longer hair, creating a smooth, blended look. This style is modern and stylish, often paired with a faded haircut.
  • How to Achieve: Use clippers to create a gradual fade from short hair at the sideburns and cheeks to longer hair at the chin. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the fade looking sharp.
  • Works Best For: Oval and rectangular faces. The faded beard adds dimension and style, complementing these face shapes well.

19. The Light Beard

  • Description: The light beard is a very short beard that’s slightly longer than stubble. It’s a subtle way to add texture and masculinity to your look without a full commitment to a longer beard.
  • How to Achieve: Let your beard grow for a few days, then trim it to a very short length, typically around 3-5mm. Maintain the length and keep the edges neat.
  • Works Best For: Almost any face shape, particularly oval and round faces. The light beard adds a touch of definition without adding bulk.

20. The Mutton Chops

  • Description: Mutton chops feature thick sideburns that extend down the cheeks, often connecting to a mustache. This bold, retro style makes a statement.
  • How to Achieve: Grow your sideburns long and thick, connecting them to a mustache. Shave the chin area to let the mutton chops stand out. Regular trimming helps maintain the shape and style.
  • Works Best For: Square and rectangular faces. Mutton chops can add width to the face and balance out a strong jawline or a long face.

21. The Friendly Mutton Chops

  • Description: A more subtle and modern version of the classic mutton chops, these are shorter and less dramatic. They provide a unique look without being too overwhelming.
  • How to Achieve: Grow your sideburns longer than usual, but keep them trimmed and neat. The sideburns can connect to a mustache, but they shouldn't be as thick or bushy as traditional mutton chops.
  • Works Best For: Oval and square faces. Friendly mutton chops add character and style, complementing these face shapes with their subtle flair.

22. The Stubble Goatee

  • Description: This style combines the simplicity of stubble with the definition of a goatee. It’s a low-maintenance, stylish option for those who want a little facial hair without a full beard.
  • How to Achieve: Grow stubble on your chin and around your mouth, forming a goatee shape. Keep the rest of your face clean-shaven. Regular trimming helps maintain the stubble length and shape.
  • Works Best For: Round and heart-shaped faces. The stubble goatee adds length to a round face and balances a wider forehead in a heart-shaped face.

23. The Beardstache

  • Description: The beardstache features a prominent mustache paired with a shorter beard. This style puts the spotlight on your mustache, allowing it to be the focal point of your facial hair.
  • How to Achieve: Grow a substantial mustache while keeping your beard short and neatly trimmed. Use mustache wax to style and shape your mustache to make it stand out.
  • Works Best For: Oval and square faces. The beardstache adds character and style, drawing attention to the mustache while the short beard provides a clean backdrop.

Tips for Maintaining Your Short Beard

Okay, so you’ve chosen your perfect short beard style – awesome! But the journey doesn’t end there. Maintaining a short beard requires a bit of effort to keep it looking its best. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your short beard in top shape.

1. Regular Trimming

This is key to keeping your short beard looking sharp. Invest in a good quality beard trimmer and get comfortable using it. Trim your beard every few days to a week, depending on how fast your hair grows and the style you’re aiming for. Pay attention to the neckline and cheek line to maintain clean edges. This is what separates a well-groomed beard from a scruffy one.

2. Washing and Conditioning

Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs to be washed regularly. Use a beard-specific shampoo a couple of times a week to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. Avoid using regular shampoo, as it can strip your beard of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Follow up with a beard conditioner to keep your beard soft and manageable. A well-conditioned beard is easier to style and less prone to itchiness.

3. Beard Oil

Beard oil is a must-have for any beard, short or long. It moisturizes the hair and the skin underneath, preventing dryness and itchiness. Apply a few drops of beard oil after washing your beard, while it’s still slightly damp. This helps the oil absorb better. Regular use of beard oil will keep your beard soft, shiny, and healthy.

4. Beard Balm

If you need a little more hold and control, beard balm is your friend. Beard balm is similar to beard oil but contains beeswax and other ingredients that provide a light hold. It’s great for taming stray hairs and shaping your beard. Apply a small amount of balm after beard oil for the best results.

5. Brushing and Combing

Brushing your beard helps distribute oils evenly and prevents tangles. Use a beard brush with natural bristles for the best results. Combing your beard is also important, especially for longer short beards. It helps train the hairs to grow in the right direction and makes styling easier. Brush and comb your beard daily for a well-groomed look.

6. Healthy Diet and Hydration

The health of your beard is directly related to your overall health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Staying hydrated is also crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair and skin hydrated.

7. Professional Help

Don’t be afraid to visit a barber for a professional trim and shaping. A barber can help you define your style and give you tips on how to maintain it. Regular barber visits can make a big difference in the overall look and health of your beard.

Conclusion

There you have it – 23 fantastic short beard styles that work with any face shape! Remember, the key is to find a style that complements your features and fits your personal style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different looks until you find the perfect one. With the right style and a little bit of maintenance, you can rock a short beard that looks amazing.

So go ahead, guys, embrace the short beard life! You’ll be looking sharp and feeling confident in no time. And remember, a well-groomed beard is a sign of a man who cares about his appearance – and that’s always a good thing. Happy bearding!